At-a-Glance

Gain the training and knowledge to teach English anywhere in the world. Learn theories and techniques for teaching skills like reading and grammar, and get experience as an ESL tutor. Take your certificate abroad and pursue teaching opportunities, and later, transition into our advanced certificate or a Master's program at one of our three partner universities.

Whether you are a new or experienced teacher, this program can help you develop and refine your skills for teaching English-language learners. First, you'll learn about the fundamentals of teaching an ESL/EFL class. You'll build your personal teaching portfolio, observe and analyze actual classroom lessons, and become skilled in pacing, classroom management and other core concepts of teaching. Through constructive feedback from both peers and instructors throughout the program, you will gain an abundance of support and useful tips to help you blossom into a successful teacher. By the end of the program, you'll be ready to teach and inspire English-language learners all over the world.

Designed For

Individuals looking to teach English as a second language.

New teachers interested in teaching English abroad.

Experienced teachers interested in adding a certificate to their resumes.

Students applying to the UCR Master's in Education (emphasis in TESOL), or interested in getting transferrable units to a Master's in TESOL or Education.

What You'll Learn

How to evaluate students, materials, and teaching contexts to determine the best approaches for teaching.

Stackable Credential

Real People. Real Results.

“The experience I gained from the TESOL Professional Certificate Program turned out to be a significant life event. The program instructors were A+. They transferred their enthusiasm for teaching to me, and I still carry that enthusiasm each day. I am very grateful to the program for expanding my opportunities to help others.”

Dwight E. Russell

Upland, CA

Earning the Certificate

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

High school diploma

18 years of age or older

International students and/or non-native English speakers:

Total score of 80 TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a 23 on Speaking

Advanced knowledge of English grammar or successful completion of Standard English Usage.

Undergraduate degree or college experience.

Completion Requirements: Achieve a grade of C or better in order to pass a class. For graduate-level courses, participants must achieve a grade of B or better in order to transfer the credit to a Master's degree program.

Graduation Requirements:

Successful completion of all TESOL coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Passing grade on the TESOL Portfolio.

Passing grade in the ESL Student Teaching course.

International/non-native English speaking students who entered the program with an equivalent to an official language score must submit one of the following official scores: 550 PBT with 45 SPEAK, or 80 iBT with 23 on Speaking, or 6.5 IELTS with 6.0 on Speaking.

Classes in this program offer early enrollment discounts of $50. Enroll early and save up to $250 on the price of the program.

Certificate Courses

Our certificate programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you the option to take just a few courses or to earn the complete certificate. If choosing to complete the certificate, we recommend you get the most out of your experience by following the suggested completion path below.

This orientation presents an overview of the requirements of UCR Extension's Professional Certificates in TESOL. It includes an introduction to UCR Extension, the field of teaching English, the programs and courses, a preview of the capstone projects, the expectations for academic writing in TESOL, the volunteer tutoring program, and the Master's Pathways, including the UCR Master's in Education (TESOL) program, and future opportunities in TESOL. All new students are required to complete the TESOL Orientation.

This class provides participants with the fundamental pedagogical concepts necessary for teaching English as a second or foreign language. First, participants analyze the levels and needs of language learners, the roles and responsibilities of teachers, and the effects of the learning context. Then, participants learn how to create performance objectives and write lesson plans based on communicative, student-centered teaching methodology. Next, participants learn skills to deliver effective EFL lessons, including techniques for giving directions, comprehension checking, monitoring, and error correction. They then learn how to reflect on the effectiveness of lesson planning and delivery. Additional topics may include classroom management, teacher presence, and professional development in the field of TESOL. Participants design and deliver one mini-lesson to the instructor and their peers, reflect on their development. They also learn about teaching observations, as well as the requirements for observation reports and for the final TESOL portfolio.

Frameworks and Methods for TESOL presents learning theories relevant to teaching ESL/EFL in all age groups, including Multiple Intelligence Theory, Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding, Bloom's Taxonomy, and Experiential Learning Cycle. It also provides an overview and application of instructional methods for ESL/EFL that have been developed and used over the last 75 years, including Grammar Translation, ALM, Silent Way, and Communicative Language Teaching. This is a graduate-level class.

Prepares participants to deliver grammar lessons in ESL/EFL classrooms by providing instruction on the English grammar structures as well as effective principles, methods, and techniques for teaching. Participants examine grammatical terminology and analyze grammatical structures for the purposes of instruction. Participants also study current approaches to teaching grammar, activity types, materials and resources, and assessment and error correction techniques. After observing a grammar class and developing an original lesson plan, participants deliver a grammar lesson, following a prescribed format. Participants also complete a written analysis of grammar teaching. This is a graduate level class.

This course provides an introduction to the theories of the nature of language, and the process of language learning, with an emphasis on the developmental processes of non-native speakers of English. Focus is on key concepts of phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics, as well as the psychological, sociocultural and educational factors affecting language acquisition and language teaching. Additional topics may include language varieties, language change, and L1 V. L2 acquisition processes. Students will analyze course topics through collaborative discussion and in writing, culminating with a final project. This is a graduate-level class.

TESOL candidates complete their portfolios with help of peer and teacher feedback. Participants compile a professional, digital portfolio that reflects the theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills they have developed during their TESOL Certificate Program. Participants also develop a capstone paper that explains their theoretical and practical approach to teaching English, based on knowledge and skills gained in the program. Upon completion of TESOL Portfolio, participants will have a record of their professional development and a tool for job-seeking in the field of TESOL. This is a capstone project for the 15-Unit Professional Certificate and the 28-unit Advanced Professional Certificate in TESOL Programs.

Instructor Spotlight

“One of the best aspects of our TESOL program is the practical knowledge that students learn. I am confident my students are learning valuable skills and methods they can use in any classroom in any country all over the world.”

Christine Tsai-Taing

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CLAD Through CTEL

The abundance of English Learners in schools across the nation has prompted the necessity for teachers to hold a CLAD/CTEL Authorization. Imagine trying to learn the fundamental concepts in math, science and language arts, without a solid grasp on the English language. This program provides you with the tools to significantly improve the learning experience for these students.

Advanced Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Gain insight into current methods of teaching English to language learners around the world, and develop your craft through student teaching. Once you've got some experience under your belt, take your journey to the next level and pursue teaching in the US and abroad, and then apply your units toward a Master's program at one of our three partner universities.

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